Go Back Korean Feather Reed Grass

Posted: May 7, 2019 at 4:43 PM
Calamagrostis brachytricha
Deer Resistant IconRock Garden Icon

Plant Type: Grasses

 

This Asian native is the opposite of its European counterparts: it is a warm season grass that blooms from late summer through early fall.

Perhaps best of all, this grass is shade tolerant, a rare trait for a large flowering grass.  This species occurs naturally in moist, deciduous woodlands and therefore is adapted to grow and bloom in partial shade.  It also grows very well in full sun where the habit will be tighter and the flowering will be more profuse.

This grass forms an upright arching clump of a half inch wide, glossy green leaves that are wider than the acutiflora types.

Late in the season, fluffy bottlebrush plumes are produced within and just above the foliage. They are purplish red when they first open and then age to greenish tan.

 

 

Currently not available for online purchase.

Growing & Maintenance Tips:

This species of reed grass is a slowly-spreading, clump-forming, warm season ornamental grass which features a mound of narrow, stiff, green leaves (1/4 to 5/8" wide) typically growing to 2' tall and as wide. Pinkish tinged flower plumes appear in late summer atop stems rising well above the foliage clump to 4' tall. Plumes mature to a light tan as the seeds ripen, but tend to disintegrate by early winter. Foliage turns yellowish beige in fall. Also sometimes sold C. arundinacea var. brachytricha. Also sometimes commonly called foxtail grass, feather reed grass or Korean feather reed grass in reference to the feathery flower/seed plumes.

Flower Color

Purple, pink, tan shades

Foliage Color

Green shades

Plant Spread

36"

Good Companions

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Plant Height

36"

Scape Height

NA

Hardness Zone

4

Soil Moisture

Average soil, Fertile soil

Characteristics & Attributes

Attributes

Border plants, Cut flower or foliage, Dried flower or seed heads, Mass planting, Grown for attractive foliage, Easy to grow.

Bloom Time

Late spring through Winter.

Critter Resistance

Deer, rabbits.

Exposure

Full shade to part shade

Growth Rate

Medium

Seasonal Interests

Attractive seed heads